After I completed a B.A. in Classical Studies (1968) at the University of Oklahoma, I continued my studies there for a graduate degree in Library & Information Science (1969). Thereafter, I held academic library positions in Alberta, Canada and Baltimore, Maryland until 1974 at which time I returned to Oklahoma to accept a position with the Metropolitan Library System (OKC) as the Department Head of the Business & Science Division.

In 1977 came the opportunity to reclassify, expand and modernize the Law & Legislative Library at the State Department of Libraries. Located at the State Capitol and with daily and frequent contact with the State Legislature and its staff, this position was pivotal for a career change in 1985 into lobbying and government relations as the President & CEO of the Oklahoma Malt Beverage Association.

Besides work with academic, public, and special libraries, I was presented with many opportunities in the library profession I regard highly. Such as serving on the Search Committee for the Library School Dean (1976), teaching as an Adjunct Professor of Library Studies at the University of Oklahoma (1976-79), Editor of the Oklahoma Librarian (1976-1985), member of the School of Library Science Advisory Board (1999-present), serving on numerous committees and holding various offices of the Oklahoma Library Association.

Special awards I cherish are Certificates of Appreciation (3), the Library Champion Award of 2002, the School of Library Science Alumni Association Award of Merit in 2005, and the State Association Executive of the Year Award (OSAE) in 2005.
Since 1995, as the Oklahoma Library Association’s Legislative Liaison, I have promoted legislation to support and strengthen all types of libraries and have assisted in defeating the passage in Oklahoma or pernicious legislation that impacts library education, public, school and academic libraries and librarians.

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